Masked Dead Pixels Show as Black Specs
 

So, I just got my HD 100 back from JVC for warranty maintenance. I mentioned to them (through my dealer) in writing that I needed some dead pixels looked at. It looks like they ran the pixel masking routine to try to smooth them out. Only now when I see the uncompressed component output on my monitor I see about 15 or so black specs. I know that they're pixels because they flicker and are square. (Not dirt) Plus I can even see them without the lense attached.

So next, I ran the operation myself, about 8 times total and the specs are still there.

I've ran several 720/24 workflow tests to see if I could see the BLACK PIXELS when compressed into m2t, m2v, QT DNXHD 90 and DNXHD110 HDV, along with some tests in DV24p. The pixels due seem to get fainter with compression and I don't know if the average person would even notice once it goes to air or DVD. You can see them pretty good in m2v.

But, they are there . My question is that is this something I need to accept as a limitation of CCD technology or is this a problem that I need JVC to fix.

My camera is under warranty for 3 more weeks.

Thanks.

I wonder if somehow the masking is not matching up with your black level values or gamma.

Interesting theory.

If so do you think this is a calibration issue (JVC), firm ware, or user setting?

David, could you please attach an exported TIFF or small m2t from one of your captures?

The pixel compensation system in the HD100 is supposed to clone or average the value of the pixels around it, not just make it black.

I wonder if your monitor might have some burnt out pixels?

I'd turn the camera right around and send it back in immediately.

Here's 4 tiff's from the original m2t. I purposely used out of focus shots so you can see that it is not part of the environment. Sorry I had to winzip because of site file limitations.

Here are some shots exported out of Liquid (m2v) to tif.

2 more tif from m2v.

Tim or Stephen, If you get a chance, I hope you can glance at these. I know for a fact that it is not my monitor, and some of these pixels appeared as white dead pixels before. They seem to stand out against a solid background the most, like the blinds in the shot. By the way, these were viewed on a 1400x900 pixel 19inch Westinghouse, straight out of the camera, and within Avid Liquid full screen.

Thanks, Greatly appreciated.

ps, If these aren't funky pixels then I need to go to the eye doctor.

The only suggestion I could make to the issue is to try and run the pixel mask routine yourself and see if it's any better. If it's not then send the camera back in. Your images show ALOT of specks all over the place.

Another thing to try is to put your camera's shutter speed to a low number. Do you have specks all over the screen? Put your lens cap on, do you have specks all over the scene?

Any chance that it's dust on the sensor?

Thanks, Stephen for looking at the tiff's. I lowered the shutter to 1/6th and man, tons of white pixels show up. It looks like a hail storm. With and without the lens and lens cap.

I'm a little worried that JVC won't do anything, my dealer knows nothing about this camera and they're not authorized to even touch it.

Since this has already been to JVC once is there someone within JVC that could look at this?

Not much time left on the warranty.

Thanks.

David,

It looks like Carl Hicks is your district rep, but he hasn't posted here since Monday so he's probably busy at CES and hasn't read this thread.

Here's his contact info as posted on the JVC Site.

http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/d...&zipcode=77001

If you can't reach Carl on Monday, try calling 1-800-582-5825 tech support and find out what your next step should be.

Thanks Tim, much appreciated.

Cheers.

CES is for consumer products.
you can probably reach Carl Hicks on Monday. He's pretty good and making himself available.
You can also contact the JVC sales engineer, Rob Yaroush, listed on the previous link and discuss your situation.